National Veterans Memorial and Museum exhibits and events

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), located in Downtown Columbus, honors all of our veterans from all branches and all eras. Guests experience a narrative journey of individual stories and experiences of veterans through photos, letters and personal effects, multi-media presentations, and interactive exhibits. 

The four foundational pillars aim to Honor, Connect, Inspire, and Educate. Guided Museum Tours are available daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Read below for upcoming exhibits, events, and museum discounts.

Photo courtesy: National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Special exhibits at NVMM

Depicting The Invisible: A Portrait Series of Veterans Suffering From PTSD by artist Susan J. Barron
April 3, 2021 – February 1, 2022

Barron was inspired to create the portrait series after hearing that 22 Veterans commit suicide every day in our country. Her series of 14 hauntingly beautiful six-foot by six-foot, mixed media works on canvas are created through a combination of photographic imagery, paint and text including each Veteran’s story. Each Veteran in these portraits makes unflinching eye contact with the viewer to showcase them as powerful and vulnerable as they share the truth of their realities in their own words. Details here.

Special events at National Veterans Memorial and Museum 

Hispanic Heritage Month

NVMM is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by offering guided tours by Spanish-speaking tour guides. Spanish tours are available every Wednesday and Saturday through October 15.

Pets for Vets

October 20-22, 2021 from 11 am – 3 pm daily
From service animals to household companions, animals are shown to reduce stress and positively impact overall health in humans. Guests with service animals are welcome in the Museum during Pets for Vets Week. You and your service animal will receive a free goodie bag upon arrival.

This free community event is open to the public and includes adoption opportunities from local shelters and animal welfare organizations. Well-behaved service animals trained to assist visitors with disabilities are always welcome during Museum visits.

If you wish to explore the museum, they are offering a discounted $10 ticket for those who attend the Pets for Vets events. See more details and information about bringing your pet on the website.

photo: National Veterans Memorial and Museum

The Wounded Warrior Dogs Project Exhibition

October 20-24  |  10 am – 5 pm daily
The Wounded Warrior Dogs Project is a traveling exhibition of wooden dog sculptures created by master Ohio craftsman James Mellick and will be on display at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum October 20-24. The dogs are intended to be symbolic of the sacrifice and exhibit the same wounds as their human companions in battle. The installation of wounded and rehabilitated dogs intends to raise awareness and focus the attention on the sacrifice and needs of wounded veterans. Five of the dogs will be on display.

A Museum ticket is not required to view this exhibition, but is required if visitors would like to view the rest of the museum. Details here.

photo courtesy of National Veterans Memorial and Museum

National First Responders Day

Thursday, October 28, 2021
All active and retired first responders get free admission on National First Responders Day. A valid ID must be presented at the door.

photo courtesy of National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Veterans Day Ceremony and Free Admission

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Free admission on Veterans Day for everyone, all day long from 10 am – 5 pm. Sponsored by USAA. 

Ceremony at 11 am. Featuring remarks from former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, General Les L. Lyles, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), our CEO Lt. General Michael Ferriter, United States Army (Ret.), Franklin County Commissioner, Erica Crawley United States Navy (Ret.) and President of USAA, Wayne Peacock. These distinguished Veterans and guests will share messages promoting unity in support of our Veteran community and promoting selfless service in our communities on Veterans Day and every day. Details.

photo courtesy of National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Admission for National Veterans Memorial and Museum 

Free admission for U.S. military Veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star families.

Adults (18-64) = $17
Senior (65+) = $15
College student with ID = $12
Youth (5-17)=$10
Children under 5 = Free

The Memorial Grove, a place of respectful reflection, is free and open from dawn to dusk

Membership starts at just $35/yr for one person

Parking is $5-$10, but free for Veteran, Active-Duty, Gold Star Families.

Museum Hours

Currently open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except special events or holidays.

Special Holiday Hours: OPEN

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day
• Memorial Day
• July 4
• Veterans Day

Holidays CLOSED

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• Easter Sunday
• Labor Day

National Veterans Memorial and Museum 
300 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 
(614) 362-2800 
website | Facebook

Past events at NVMM; tba for 2022

Special event days: Open on President’s Day with FREE admission for all. Also open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Veterans Day

Black History Month at NVMM: During Black History Month, we are sharing the experiences, challenges and triumphs of Black American Veterans by telling their stories. Check back each week during February for a new video as well as a series of virtual events and online programming. African American Veterans fought our country’s wars even when they had to battle for the right to do so. This month, and every month, we honor these Veterans for their courage, sacrifice and perseverance with thanks for our freedoms. See videos and programming here.

Memorial Weekend at NVMM: There’s a full line-up of events for Memorial Day, including Virtual Run, Walk, Ruck & Roll, The Wall that Heals, Motorcycle Ride, Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil, Movie Screening, and free admission and programming on Memorial Day. See details here. 

Young at Heart Weekend: TBA August 2022. Join us for “Young at Heart” weekend! We’re inviting everyone aged 65+ to be our weekend guest for just $2!

9/11 Commemoration: September 11, 2021. Join us at the Museum to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, during the City of Columbus Remembrance Ceremony.

Constitution Day: Friday, September 17, 2021

Have you ever memorized the preamble to the U.S. Constitution? Your knowledge will pay off if you visit us on Constitution Day! Secure a $10 ticket by reciting the preamble to the U.S. Constitution at our Welcome Desk. Constitution Day also includes educational activities for the whole family and a free gift!

World Tourism Weekend: Saturday & Sunday, September 25 & 26, 2021

Join us as we celebrate World Tourism Weekend and receive $5 admission to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum!

Sensory Saturday: Saturday, October 9, 2021

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum invites you to visit the museum on Saturday, October 9, 2021 for Sensory Saturday – a sensory friendly museum experience that will offer enhanced sensory activities all day long including: reduced volume throughout the exhibit area, touch tours, hands-on educational activities, and more. Sensory Bags available at the welcome desk upon request.